Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?
Pressurised pump distribution
Needs the grid
One of 2 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.
An electric pump with a pressure vessel that pushes water through the pipes to every tap and shower. It gives the same strong flow as mains water, so ordinary taps, showers and appliances work normally. It stops when the power is cut.
Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.
Pressurised pump distribution (This page) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No Choose it if you want mains-like pressure, so ordinary showers and appliances work normally.
Gravity-fed distribution from elevated storage Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if your storage sits above the taps and you want water that flows through any power cut.
Sources
General water-pump industry durability consensus
Limitations of this page
We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.